From July 1, 2025, a new European regulation will come into force in Spain, changing the rules for renting out properties for short stays, like tourist or seasonal rentals. This rule introduces a mandatory registration system for certain short-term rentals to promote transparency, reduce fraud, and improve the housing market’s regulation.

This guide explains what the new rule means, who it affects, how to register, and what property owners need to do to comply.

---

What Is the New Short-Term Rental Registration?

The new law comes from the European Parliament and Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1028 and is applied in Spain through Royal Decree 1312/2024. Property owners renting homes for short periods must register their rentals in a central government system and get an official registration number.

Starting July 1, 2025, this number must be shown on online platforms where guests can book and pay for rentals completely online. Without this number, property owners won’t be allowed to list their rentals on these platforms anymore.

Which Rentals Must Be Registered?

The rule applies to short-term rentals advertised on platforms that let guests:

• Book the rental remotely (online contract).
• Pay fully through the platform.

This means properties listed on sites like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Vrbo must have a registration number.

Which Rentals Are Exempt?

Rentals advertised only as listings without online booking or payment features don’t need to register under this rule. Examples include:

• Classified ad sites like Idealista, where you only see the ad but book and pay offline.
• Personal websites without an online reservation system.
• Offline channels like physical travel agencies or printed brochures.

How to Register Your Rental Property

If you are a property owner who rents short-term, here’s what you need to do:

When to Apply

• Registration applications opened January 2, 2025.
• You must register before July 1, 2025, to be able to rent legally on the affected platforms.

Where and How to Apply

• Applications are submitted to the College of Registrars (Colegio de Registradores).
• You’ll need to provide key information such as:
  • The property’s exact address.
  • The cadastral reference number (official property identification).
  • Details about the rental type — entire property or individual rooms.

After submitting your application, the authorities will review your information and assign you a registration number if everything is correct.

What to Do After Getting Your Registration Number

Once registered, you must:

• Include your registration number clearly and visibly on all online platforms where you rent out your property.
• Ensure your rental ads and contracts mention this number so customers know your rental is officially registered.

This step guarantees your property is legally recognized for short-term rental activities.

Why Is This Registration Important?

The new system aims to:

• Stop rental fraud by ensuring only legal rentals are advertised.
• Make the rental market more transparent and reliable.
• Help local and national authorities monitor and regulate the short-term rental sector.
• Protect both property owners and guests by confirming rentals meet legal and safety standards.

Legal Obligations for Property Owners

Beyond registering, owners renting short-term must:

• Declare all rental income to the tax authorities and pay any taxes due.
• Comply with local regulations, which may require obtaining special licenses or permits.
• Keep updated with any changes in rental laws or local rules, as these can vary by region or municipality.
• Follow consumer protection laws to ensure guests’ rights are respected.

Failing to comply with these legal requirements can cause problems later, including fines or losing your ability to rent.

Penalties for Not Complying

If you don’t register your short-term rental or ignore the rules, you may face:

• Fines, which can vary depending on the severity of the breach.
• Being blocked from listing your rental on key online platforms.
• Possible loss of rental licenses or permits required by local authorities.
• Damage to your reputation as a reliable property owner.

Repeated violations can lead to stricter sanctions or legal actions.

How the Government Is Supporting Owners

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda has set up a Digital One-Stop Window (Ventanilla Única Digital de Arrendamientos) to simplify registration and make it easier for owners to manage their rental data.

They are also running an information campaign to help owners understand the new rules and how to comply.

Summary: What You Need to Do Now

Check if your rental needs to register. If you rent on platforms with online booking and payments, this applies to you.

Prepare your property information (address, cadastral reference, rental details).

Apply for registration before July 1, 2025.

Display your registration number clearly on all your online rental ads.

Declare your rental income and follow local rental laws.

Stay informed about any updates or changes to the law.

If you rent your property short-term in Spain, following these steps will help you stay legal, avoid fines, and build trust with your guests. The new registration system is here to make the rental market safer and more transparent for everyone.